'Why on earth would I want to go over there?' - Christmas carnival reaction

A huge Christmas carnival was a different backdrop for the opening day of Newbury's Coral Gold Cup meeting, but for most racegoers, especially those with children, it was welcomed with open arms.

Earlier this week, Newbury attempted to reassure spectators visiting the track for its high-profile meeting that the attraction – described on its website as "the south's largest Christmas event" – would not mar the experience for racegoers despite it partially obscuring the view of the course's back straight.

Heading across the track early on the afternoon, you would have been forgiven for thinking it was not open, with no music playing, no welcoming faces on the door, and seemingly a lack of people around.